Entrepreneurs learn the art of mosaic

Joseph Dokwana was among the trainees.

Course facilitator Samkela Stamper, of Rhodes University, and Asiphe Gaxela put the finishing touches to a mosaic of the municipality’s logo.

Aleries Kiewiets, Olwethu Ntombela, Sibabalo Sebeta and Sbahle Shude practise their new skill.

Local entrepreneurs are learning the ins and outs of creating mosaics.

Six trainees recently completed a mosaic course presented by Kouga Municipality at the Shell Museum complex at Jeffreys Bay.

Kouga Tourism and Creative Industries Portfolio Councillor, Frances Baxter, said their work would be displayed at the amphitheatre at Dolphin Beach and unveiled later this year.

A mosaic is a piece of art or image made from putting together small pieces of coloured glass, stone or other materials. It is mainly used for decorative purposes.

Baxter said it was the second course of its kind to be presented by the municipality. The first was conducted last year in conjunction with the East Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC).

“Trainees from the first course have already been making use of their new skill to create house numbers and other items that can be sold,” she said. “The municipality would like to help them set up a cooperative, with the necessary support for their business to become sustainable,” she said.

She said mosaic could also be linked to recycling.

“There are examples in other areas of glass being recycled for use in mosaics. This is the next step we would like to explore so as to facilitate the growth of this creative industry locally.”